Introduction

The European Press Prize 2016

The European Press Prize (EPP) annually salutes and encourages the highest achievements in European journalism. In this special magazine of De Groene Amsterdammer, made in collaboration with EPP, we present the winners of the European Press Prize 2016.

This year the shortlist featured 33 projects from 17 countries in five categories: The Investigative Reporting Award, The Distinguished Writing Award, The Commentator Award, The Innovation Award and a Special Award for writing about the Refugee Crisis.

‘Journalism isn’t some optional extra to freedom in our world’, writes Peter Preston, chairman of the jury of the European Press Prize 2016 in the jury report. ‘It takes a step back as it monitors power: governments, politicians, giant corporations, and sinister organisations. It exists to be separate, different and free. Then it takes a step forward in defence of its readers, viewers and listeners. This journalism is a vital defence against oppression, and a vital defender of individual freedom.’